Canon Updates Its Pixma and ImageClass Printers, Adds a New Portable Projector Too

Six New Pixma Models with Improved Networking and Services

Six new models join the Pixma line to eventually replace the existing line-up: the MG7170, MG6470, MG5570, MG3570, MG2470 and MG2570. These newly-announced models cater to various users with their different price points, but come with new features to keep them relevant and ahead of the current crop of inkjet printers on sale.

The flagship model, the MG7170, as well as the MG6470 and MG5570, all feature Access Point mode, which allows wireless printing without needing to connect to a wireless router. This saves the user the hassle of joining an exiting network and key in the network’s security password just to print a job. And if your camera supports wireless PictBridge, you can send pictures from your camera directly to the MG7170 and MG6470 over a wireless network.

Owners of the MG7170, MG6470 and MG5570 are also able to view and print photographs from photo storage websites and social media networks like Facebook, Flickr and Picasa. You can even print documents from cloud storage services like Dropbox. The Pixma MG7170, MG6470, MG5570 and MG3570 all support Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, allowing users to operate the printers remotely with the Pixma Printing Solutions app.

All of the Pixma printers use the Hybrid Ink system, which use color dye ink for more vibrant colors in photographs, while using black pigment ink for sharper text in black and white documents. The Pixma MG7170 uses six individual ink tanks, while the Pixma MG6470 and MG5570 use five individual ink tanks. The lower-tier Pixma MG3570 and MG2000 series use two ink tanks, with tri-color and pigment black ink cartridges - this simplicity in ink management helps drive the cost of the printer down substantially along with a reduced set of features.

It's Not All About Ink

Meanwhile on the laser printer front, Canon has released the imageCLASS MF6180dw, monochrome multifunction printer (MFP) and three color laser MFP models, the imageCLASS MF8580Cdw, MF8280Cw and MF8210Cn. These color laser MFP units use the all-in-one cartridge design, which combines the toner reservoir, photosensitive drum and waste toner container into a single unit for hassle-free removal when replacing toner cartridges.

Similar to the inkjet counterparts shared earlier, all of the laser printers support remote printing via Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print through the Canon Mobile Printing app.

Canon LE-5W Multimedia Projector

The LE-5W is an ultra-portable projector that weighs 1.6kg and has a throw ratio of 1.2:2 for viewing in confined spaces. In terms of brightness, it is capable of delivering 500 lumens. The LE-5W is also suitable for playing movies with its built-in 2.5-watt stereo speakers and a five-color wall-projection mode that allows for any flat surface to be used as a display screen. You can also plug in your own USB flash drives and SD cards, with the LE-5W supporting popular video formats like MPJPEG, MPEG1/2/4, H.264 WMV and RMVB. The Canon LE-5W is available now at the price of S$1,099.